Docker vs Heroku: what each really costs
Team size
Billing
Docker
No plan for this billing option
No paid plan to compare for this billing option.
Heroku
No plan for this billing option
No paid plan to compare for this billing option.
| 10 people | Docker | Heroku |
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid plan | No plan for this billing option | No plan for this billing option |
| Vendor price | ||
| Monthly cost | ||
| Annual cost | ||
| Per user / year | ||
| Billing commitment | Not recorded | Not recorded |
| Minimum seats | None stated | None stated |
| Free plan | Yes | No free plan listed |
| Free trial | Not stated | Not stated |
Calculated by SpecEntry from official vendor prices. Taxes and optional add-ons are not included. Open each product page for every plan and the official source.
Docker vs Heroku: features
Key features as each vendor lists them. A feature missing from a list does not mean the product lacks it.
Docker
- Docker SandboxesMicroVM isolation for every agent session, local or cloud.
- AI governance consoleOne console for sandbox and MCP policy with identity-bound audit logs.
- Docker Hardened ImagesMinimal, signed, continuously patched images and MCP servers.
- MCP gatewayConnect and manage MCP tools.
- Docker Model RunnerRun LLM inference locally.
- Gordon AI agentGordon is an AI agent across Docker.
- Docker ScoutSimplify the software supply chain.
Source:docker.com ·
Heroku
- DynosApps run in managed containers called dynos.
- Heroku PostgresFully managed PostgreSQL database as a service.
- Instant rollbackRoll back code or Postgres data to an earlier state.
- Heroku MetricsShows runtime metrics for your applications.
- Heroku FlowVisual continuous delivery for app releases.
- BuildpacksCustomize your stack with buildpacks.
- ComplianceMaintains PCI, HIPAA, ISO and SOC compliance.
- Managed AI models and MCPAccess AI models and extend agents via Model Context Protocol.
Source:heroku.com ·
Docker vs Heroku pricing questions
How much do Docker and Heroku cost?
Docker paid plans start at $9/user/month (Pro Annual). Heroku paid plans start at $5 per month for 1,000 eco dyno hours, personal accounts only (Eco Dynos).
Do Docker and Heroku have a free plan?
Docker lists a free plan; Heroku does not list one on its official pricing.